The Band Explains: RAGS AND RICHES - 'Not A Stranger'
American outfit RAGS AND RICHES talk to us about their thrilling visuals for energetic pop rock single, ‘Not A Stranger', which is about the constant battle in your head between self-doubt v.s. self-confidence and ultimately finding the hope and courage to live boldly.
Where was the video for 'Not A Stranger' filmed?
The video for ‘Not A Stranger’ was filmed in Crestwood, Kentucky, which is right outside of Louisville.
How does the video connect with the song?
The biggest connection is everyone seeing double of themselves later in the video. That symbolizes the war within yourself and self-doubt. In the end you have to face your fears and stay strong to defeat doubt and fear.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
Absolutely! We had a blast filming this video. The extras were amazing and really dove in to character to capture this. There was one moment where “Jonah” the guy who gets taken and “turned to the dark side”, was filming the scene where his eyes change over. It was late at night in the woods and it was super creepy, but all the extras just started clapping, because it was such great acting on his part. One of the best moments of the overall “behind the scenes”.
Could you tell us about the ideas/ themes/ imagery used?
Yes, there is a huge storyline that my brother Peyton has developed. The first music video we released, ‘Speed Of Sound’ began the overall story with these 9 cloaked figures that are living in a cave. They discover these crystals where the humans come from. Now, the ‘Not A Stranger’ music video only shows 8 cloaked figures, because one of them is a “hero/good guy” and left the others to start an army. That’s a really simple version of the story, but the imagery from the first and second video shows them developing and becoming stronger to lead up to a huge fight in the next video, ‘Light It Up’.
Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
Yes, we are all about positivity, so we wanted the video to show there is hope to rise up against self-doubt, fear, anxiety, or anything else you may be dealing with and live boldly! Life is too short to let anything hold you back.
Interview by Karla Harris